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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Record Stores Resurge Like Bookstores? (Guest Column)
'Your record collection defines who you are; your book collection defines who you want to be.' — Will Page When e-books were first introduced in 2007 (Amazon's Kindle followed by Barnes & Noble's Nook in 2009, and Apple's iPad in 2010), people were loudly ringing the death knell for printed books. Digital devices had convenience and portability, and digital books could be instantly downloaded and consumed. Why would anyone choose to carry around or deal with a cumbersome printed book, or go to a bookstore, or have it delivered days later by Amazon, when 200 books could be held on a lightweight digital device, such as the original 1st Generation Kindle, and read immediately? More from Billboard Record Store Day 2025 Report: Swift Sales and Long Lines, But Weather and Economy Cloud Some Results Here's Why Kid Cudi & Michael B. Jordan Came Up During Jury Selection for Diddy's Trial El Rey Theater in Los Angeles to Be Featured in Tony Hawk Video Game With the added decline of CDs and DVDs, the dominoes quickly fell; the 642-store Borders chain filed for bankruptcy in 2011, and Barnes & Noble closed its flagship store in early 2014 and separated out its Nook division. By 2018, Barnes & Noble had closed 400 stores. Fast forward to 2023, when Barnes & Noble opened 30 new stores, and to 2024, when it opened 57 new stores (more than the total it opened between 2009 and 2019). It recently announced it would be opening an additional 60 stores in 2025. Incredibly, physical books now outsell digital books 4 to 1. What changed? It seems that even younger readers have come to prefer the tactile experience of holding a physical book and being able to easily navigate through pages, and see an advantage in retaining information and focusing when reading on paper rather than on digital screens. Kids and teenagers now gather at bookstores after school, as they have come to see them as safe spaces, and regularly show off their books on BookTok. What lessons can the music business learn from what happened with the book business? Let's look at the arc of recorded music. Music formats went from vinyl to 8-track and cassette to DAT and CD. With the introduction of digital file sharing and downloads with Napster in 1999, and streaming music starting with Rhapsody in 2001 and then Spotify in 2009, it seemed that physical records were destined for the wastebin of history (and like so many others, I foolishly gave away or sold for peanuts my vinyl and CD collections). Digital music streaming posed the question of why anyone would need to 'own' music when it could be listened to immediately on demand from a limitless library of virtually all music ever recorded, literally at one's fingertips, from any location. The record business followed a pattern similar to that of the book business. Major labels sold their vinyl pressing plants and let go of their manufacturing employees, and many of the pressing machines were sold for scrap (Bertelsmann alone reportedly scrapped 150 machines). In 2006, record store chain Tower Records closed all of its 89 U.S. stores and filed for bankruptcy, as did Sam Goody (which at one point had approximately 800 U.S. locations). Streaming took over completely once the industry fully embraced it, and it now represents about 90% of all music consumption. Just like printed books, vinyl albums have, incredibly, made an enormous comeback, with sales increasing for 18 straight years and representing U.S. sales of over $1.4 billion in 2024 (and predicted to be over $3.5 billion by 2033). What's the throughline? Simply put, human beings are built to socialize and interact with each other and 'things' in person in real life, not online — and it's finally catching up with us. People desperately need the slowed-down, tactile interactions that have been largely absent, particularly amongst Gen Z, who have grown up predominantly in the fast-moving digital world. Although there is clearly enormous benefit to people connecting and interacting globally via the web and social media, there are also significant downsides: isolation, echo chambers, addictions, social comparisons, loneliness, depression, self-harm and even suicide have risen significantly in the digital age (as have mass shootings). Are physical locations the antidote? Bookstores and record stores are part of a breed of what are called 'third spaces', a term originally created in the 1980s by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. Third spaces refer to 'a physical location other than work or home where there's little to or no financial barrier to entry and where conversation is the primary activity.' As Barnes & Noble stated in its recent press release, 'Our stores have become popular social spots.' In a 2022 article in The Atlantic, Allie Conti described third spaces as 'physical spaces for serendipitous, productivity-free conversation' which 'incentivize lingering', where one can learn 'the art of hanging out,' 'mingle and make small talk with strangers' and where there is always 'the possibility of a wildly unexpected spontaneous encounter.' However, with people frequently spending their leisure time in solitude in front of their personal screens at home, consuming digital media (movie theater attendance is on the decline as well), 'the simple act of spending time with new people can be an unnecessarily complex challenge.' Young people will have to learn new skills and flex new muscles for third spaces to thrive. For example, according to one study, almost half of men aged 18-25 have never approached a woman in person to ask for a date. Kathy Giuffre, a professor at Colorado College, says 'socializing is a learned skill,' and 'a world made up of atomized, physically isolated people is a world without a true shared reality — which is a recipe for civic disengagement, misinformation, and perhaps even political extremism.' Bookstores and record stores also offer a way to be around like-minded people in real life who have similar interests, creating the possibility of forming new bonds. Many famous musicians credit their time working in record stores as having given them a musical education they wouldn't have otherwise received (and in some cases, it's where they actually met their future band members). Keith Richards, Axl Rose, Slash, Iggy Pop, Dave Grohl, Rivers Cuomo, Jeff Tweedy, Nels Cline, Aimee Mann, Nikki Sixx, Nelly Furtado and Peter Buck are but a few, and many have cited musical suggestions made by record store clerks as leading them to what became their favorite music. One could argue that record stores might actually be better 'third places' than bookstores because music is always playing, clerks are knowledgeable music fans themselves, and customers are regularly chatting and interacting. The rebirth and growth of record stores beyond Record Store Day has already begun. Rough Trade recently tripled the size of their store in New York City's Rockefeller Center, and Waterloo Records was recently purchased from its founders by new owners who plan to relocate and expand it. Vinyl record and high-end equipment retailer Supervinyl in Los Angeles has become a 'go-to' destination for music aficionados and artists alike. Innersleeves, a local independent record store in the Hamptons, recently doubled the size of its physical space and even added a small stage for musical performances. Tower Records has 80 locations in Japan. And 'vinyl listening bars' built with expensive high-end sound systems and curated musical collections inspired by bars in Japan have been opening up in major cities across the U.S. If U.S. record store chains return as well, they'd be smart to take a page out of Barnes & Noble's playbook when it comes to the physical design of its stores. The manager of each B&N store is given a free hand (even including how the B&N logo appears) to make it feel more like a local independent bookstore with localized aesthetics rather than an invading mass chain that looks exactly the same in all locations. The goal is to 'create a more intimate, community-focused, books-first experience.' And many of the new stores even have a B&N Café, which record stores could adopt to emulate the 'coffee house' circuit where many musicians of the '60s and '70s launched their careers and built local fan bases. As streaming music levels off and consumer patterns change, vinyl records, record stores and listening bars as 'third places' could be a boon to the physical record business — provided our industry truly embraces the big opportunity which is staring it in the face ('AlbumTok,' anyone)? Fred Goldring is an entrepreneur, entertainment lawyer and co-founder of Pressing Business, a vinyl record and CD manufacturer, and record labels Flatiron Recordings and Label 51. Best of Billboard Diddy Judge Rejects Claim That Prosecutors Leaked Surveillance Tape of Cassie Assault Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Irish Daily Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Karoline Leavitt enjoys family time ahead of Easter egg roll
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was seen enjoying the 2025 Easter Egg Roll on Monday, hosted by President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, with her husband Nicholas Riccio and their nine-month-old son Nico. Despite rarely being seen in public with her 59-year-old husband, she made time for this special family event. Riccio, looking youthful, wore a tan suit and purple tie as he pushed baby Nico, dressed in light blue, around the South Lawn in a stroller. The couple welcomed their first child last July. The White House's website revealed that other attractions at the even t included a Be Best Military Card Writing Station, a cookie decorating station, and a Reading Nook, courtesy of Amazon and Be Best Hopscotch. Leavitt served as a reader for the Nook. She shared a video on social media of her reading a children's book to the attending kids. Read More Related Articles Slippery Karoline Leavitt dodges killer question at heart of Hegseth Signal group chat scandal Read More Related Articles Donald Trump branded 'dumbest President ever' after six-word comment about Congo According to Leavitt's Instagram posts, she took a break from her duties and embarked on a special trip with her family to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the holiday commemorating Jesus' resurrection before the egg roll. Karoline Leavitt read children's books to the kids at the Easter egg roll (Image: karolineleavitt/Instagram) Leavitt turned heads as she met with the press, clad in a Self Portrait square-neck lace dress, ideal for the Easter festivities. Posting on Instagram, Leavitt shared her enthusiasm, "A tradition unlike any other. The White House Easter Egg Roll," complementing the caption with two photographs of her cherished family. Her followers quickly filled the comments with warm messages. One fan gushed, "God bless you and your beautiful little family, continued prayers! You are absolutely crushing it and we couldn't be prouder." Someone else commented, "Beautiful Family and we love Karoline as our Press Secretary! Superior job!" A third added: "God bless and watch over your beautiful little family Karoline." The White House beamed with celebration, as both President Trump and his wife welcomed thousands to their annual Easter bash, which this time featured an authentic twist—real eggs provided by America's egg farmers instead of the usual plastic ones. The event garnered support from giants like YouTube, Amazon, and Meta, per NPR, and the proceeds will go to the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving White House lore, the White House Historical Association. Children attending the event had the opportunity to participate in the America250 initiative, a precursor to the nationwide celebration of America's 250th founding anniversary. The America250 initiative will allow kids to sign a mini Declaration of Independence and even dress up as the Founding Fathers. For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Figuring out the Blue Prince Blueprints
Welcome to Mt Holly Estate. Here is a huge mansion with large open grounds and at least 45 rooms. The mansion is yours now, your late, great-uncle left it to you. Oh, what's that? Do you need a place to stay tonight? Well, you can't stay at the house right now; you have to camp in a tiny tent on the grounds. Your great-uncle wants you to solve a little puzzle for him first, to prove that you are truly worthy of the mansion. Don't worry, you've got this — we're all rooting for you! Old man Herbert Sinclaire's request is simple. All he wants is for you to get to the 46th room in the house and unlock it. Unfortunately, the only way you can do so is by finding an elusive room called the 'antechamber'. I'll explain. Blue Prince is a puzzle game where a large mansion mocks you. It opens up its grand front doors to an entry hall, but everything that happens past that hall is pure devilish trickery. You see, every time you open a door from the hall, a different room manifests. To be fair, you do get to pick from a draft of three different rooms on what you'd like to make appear next. Be warned — the choices you make will dictate the number of paths that you can carve through the house's fixed grid of 9x5 rooms. Picking something small but useful, like a storeroom or a closet, might box you in, cutting access to other spaces. Other choices present more difficult trade-offs. Do you take the Den, which grants you an extra gem you can spend on unlocking higher-quality rooms? No? So you pick the Nook instead, which is also an excellent choice. It contains a key that might open a locked room level you've been circling for days. Unfortunately, getting to the antechamber is not simple. You might exhaust yourself completely before you reach it. Or, you might have just hit upon multiple dead ends. So, every night, when the house 'resets' itself, you rest at the tent. And then come back and try a different route the next day... and maybe the next... and the next. Before you know it, you are 25 days into a camping trip, neck deep in a very weird mystery shrouding the entire family, and a newfound hatred for Herbert Sinclaire. This old man seems incredibly shady. He definitely has some secret hidden away somewhere, and everything in the house seems to point towards something sinister. I always suspected him of something terrible. The idea of this whole labyrinth house can only come from a buffoon who wanted to terrorise his poor employees who helped maintain the house. Regardless, what he has left you is an addictive puzzle to solve. Your end goal is constantly in view — the antechamber is ever present on the map. And knowing that you just need another parlour, another gemstone, another key card, or access to a secret garden — to get in there, is just so tantalising and wonderful. I think this is how my cat feels when I hold a treat out for him, and keep it just, ever so slightly, out of reach. The drafting mechanic is what kind of holds the game together. When I open a room, it provides a bunch of different options. You name it — gymnasium, parlor, office, conference hall, boudoirs, bedrooms, guest rooms, servant quarters. Obviously, some rooms offer better benefits than others. But they are all linked together by something bigger. A small clue in a painting, or a letter, every single one of which you must note down. The developers kind of hope that you pick up the breadcrumbs all the way. Keep a folder of screenshots handy. It's all going to make sense at some point. As it is a simple walking simulator, I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who likes solving a good puzzle. This game isn't just for gamers. It's currently available on Windows, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.
Hi Dubai
03-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai's Top Co-Working Spaces for Entrepreneurs
Over the past few years, Dubai has become a magnet for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses in a flexible, community-driven way. One of the most apparent signs of this shift? The rapid rise of co-working spaces. Across the city, you'll now find workspaces that go far beyond desks and Wi-Fi. These places are designed to help people connect, collaborate, and build something meaningful: launching a startup, scaling a small business, or working as independent professionals. And it's not just about convenience. Many co-working spaces in Dubai offer added support like business licensing, access to wellness facilities, content studios, or even networking events, making them a valuable asset for anyone navigating the city's competitive business environment. In this article, we'll explore some of the best co-working spaces in Dubai, each offering something unique for today's entrepreneur. Why Co-Working Works in Dubai In a city that thrives on innovation and speed, co-working has naturally found its place. For many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups, it's a place to work and also a space that adds value to their journey. Most co-working spaces offer daily, monthly, or on-demand packages, giving professionals the flexibility to scale based on their needs. Operating from a shared space helps reduce costs—there's no need to worry about furnishing an office or paying long-term rent. Many spaces assist with business setup through partnerships with free zones or offer in-house support for licensing and registration. Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs creates natural opportunities for networking, collaboration, and finding new clients. Locations are spread across the city, from Downtown and JLT to Barsha Heights and Mirdif, making it convenient to work closer to home or clients. Top Co-Working Spaces for Entrepreneurs in Dubai Dubai's co-working culture is as diverse as its people. Whether you're a startup founder, a freelancer, or a creative professional, the city offers spaces that cater to every kind of workflow. Some are designed with wellness in mind, others focus on luxury and lifestyle, while a few standout for their affordability and community-driven approach. Below are some of the best co-working spaces in Dubai, each offering something unique for today's entrepreneur. Nook View this post on Instagram A post shared by nook Coworking (@nookdxb) Nook is one of Dubai's few co-working spaces dedicated specifically to the wellness and fitness industry. Located in One JLT, its clean, purpose-built interiors are designed to serve coaches, therapists, trainers, and health-focused entrepreneurs who want a professional space without losing the soul of their practice. The atmosphere is friendly and functional, with spaces for both movement and meetings. Partnered with DMCC to offer discounted company setup and visa support Fully equipped on-site fitness studio for classes and sessions Access to private offices, hot desks, Zoom rooms, and event spaces High-speed Wi-Fi, lockers, printing services, and dedicated parking In-house support for licensing, business formation, and community networking Nook is ideal for those in the sports, fitness, or wellness fields looking for a workspace that truly understands their world. NEST Located inside TRYP by Wyndham in Barsha Heights, NEST blends co-working with hospitality, offering a bright, comfortable space where freelancers and small teams can focus without formality. The interiors are sleek yet cozy, with quiet pods, open-plan seating, and a casual vibe that encourages both productivity and relaxation. Access to hotel perks like gym, pool, and dining discounts Daily, weekly, or monthly membership options with no long-term contracts Private pods, shared desks, meeting rooms, and event spaces Complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day Discounted hotel room rates for members who need to stay overnight NEST is perfect for entrepreneurs who want flexibility, comfort, and a touch of hospitality woven into their workday. Wrkbay View this post on Instagram A post shared by @wrkbay Wrkbay keeps things simple, professional, and accessible. Located in Al Karama, the space is designed for functionality—with clean desks, focused meeting rooms, and a modest yet pleasant café. It's ideal for solo entrepreneurs, students, or small business owners who need a workspace that doesn't break the bank. Hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms at highly affordable rates High-speed Wi-Fi, IT support, and locker access On-site Wrkbay Café with exclusive member discounts Day-use options available from as little as AED 20 Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wrkbay works well for those who value flexibility and affordability over luxury, especially in a central location. UNBOX UNBOX brings creativity and community together across its multiple locations in Dubai. With origami-inspired interiors, thoughtful layouts, and a distinctly boutique feel, the space appeals to startups, creatives, and professionals who appreciate good design and good company. Each branch has its own vibe, but all are built to encourage focus, networking, and flexibility. Private offices, hot desks, and day passes with adaptable membership plans Virtual office services for those who need a business address without a physical desk Modern meeting rooms, lecture halls, and event spaces with full tech support On-site cafés and lounges that double as informal work or meeting areas Community events, training sessions, and networking opportunities across all branches UNBOX is best suited for entrepreneurs who want an inspiring, design-forward workspace with the energy of a community behind it. Nasab View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nasab Dubai (@nasabdubai) Nasab is more than a co-working space—it's a lifestyle. Nestled within the KOA Canvas community, Nasab offers a calm, design-driven setting where luxury, wellness, and work come together. Surrounded by greenery and filled with natural light, it's a serene place to focus, recharge, and connect with others. Private suites, hot desks, and drop-in options with tailored memberships Outdoor seating areas, a rooftop pool, tiered garden pool, gym, and meditation space Photography studio and creative pavilion for content creators and event hosts In-house café (The Tuck Shop) and award-winning restaurant (LOWE) Curated programming and wellness activities throughout the week Nasab is perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who want to work in an environment that supports both productivity and personal wellbeing. The Bureau The Bureau in Gold & Diamond Park was designed with women in mind, but welcomes anyone seeking a professional, thoughtfully equipped workspace. It combines stylish interiors with a strong sense of purpose, offering not just offices but also wellness spaces, a café, and event areas—all under one roof. Private offices, dedicated desks, and co-working areas with modern interiors Jones the Grocer café on-site with exclusive member offers Wellness facilities including a fitness studio, vanity rooms, and a dedicated nursing/pumping space Versatile meeting rooms and event spaces for workshops or launches Strong community network and frequent events focused on professional growth The Bureau is a great fit for women-led startups, small teams, and freelancers who want a work environment that feels both professional and supportive. Cloud Spaces Cloud Spaces is designed for modern businesses looking for flexibility, convenience, and a professional image. With locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—including Circle Mall and Dubai Mall Fountain Views—it caters to individuals, startups, and established companies through its diverse workspace offerings. The interiors are sleek and functional, and the memberships are designed to scale with your business. Semi-private cubicles, private suites, and premium office options Access to coworking lounges, meeting rooms, and event spaces Day passes, monthly plans, and serviced office packages available On-site cafés, creative studios, and professional support teams Strategically located in malls and business hubs for easy accessibility Cloud Spaces works well for entrepreneurs who value convenience, polished environments, and the ability to move between cities while staying under one network. The Co-Spaces The Co-Spaces offers a simple, stylish, and well-connected work environment in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Just a short walk from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, it's ideal for professionals who want to work close to clients, cafes, and city buzz without being in a typical corporate tower. Private offices, hot desks, and dedicated desks with clean, minimal designs Meeting rooms for up to 8 people available by the hour or day Free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and access to printing/scanning facilities Frequent events and mentorship programs to support business growth Located in Souk Al Bahar, offering a balance of business and lifestyle perks It's a smart pick for startups, consultants, and creatives who want a collaborative space in a prime location with all the basics covered. With so many co-working spaces across Dubai, the challenge isn't finding one—it's choosing the one that fits you best. While all offer the basics like Wi-Fi and desks, the right environment can make a big difference in how you work and grow. Look for spaces that align with your industry or purpose . If you're in wellness, a place like Nook makes more sense than a traditional office. Creatives may feel more at home in UNBOX or Nasab. . If you're in wellness, a place like Nook makes more sense than a traditional office. Creatives may feel more at home in UNBOX or Nasab. Consider the location : proximity to home, clients, or public transport can save time and increase productivity. : proximity to home, clients, or public transport can save time and increase productivity. Think about your working style . Do you need complete silence? Prefer a social buzz? Want access to a gym or a place to shoot content? . Do you need complete silence? Prefer a social buzz? Want access to a gym or a place to shoot content? Compare membership options. Some offer day passes, others monthly plans with extras like visa services or event access. Make sure you're only paying for what you'll actually use. Some offer day passes, others monthly plans with extras like visa services or event access. Make sure you're only paying for what you'll actually use. Don't underestimate community and culture. Some spaces are quiet and corporate, others are energetic and social. It helps to visit before committing. Co-working in Dubai has become the preferred way of working for many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups. The city's offerings are as diverse as its residents, from boutique creative hubs to business-focused spaces with licensing support and wellness perks. Each space on this list brings something unique to the table, whether it's affordability, design, community, or access to wider business networks. And as the city continues to grow, these spaces are playing a bigger role in helping new ideas take root. If you're starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for a fresh environment, Dubai's co-working ecosystem offers plenty of room to find your fit. Visit a few, try out a day pass, and see what feels right, you might just find the place where your next big idea comes to life. Also Read: Best Online Side Hustles to Start in Dubai with Minimal Investment Looking to earn extra income in Dubai? Explore the best online side hustles in Dubai that require little to no investment. Entrepreneurship in Dubai: How to Start a Business with Minimal Investment. This guide will walk you through realistic ways to start small, cut unnecessary costs, and grow a business with smart decisions rather than big spending. If you've been waiting for the right moment to take the leap, consider this your sign to start today - on your terms, and within your budget. Top 10 Business Opportunities in Dubai for 2025 Discover the top 10 emerging business opportunities in Dubai for 2025, from renewable energy to AI and education, driving growth in a dynamic market. Dubai's Thriving E-commerce Market: How to Start Your Online Business Are you fascinated by Dubai and its remarkable advancements so far? Check out this comprehensive guide on achieving E-commerce success in the UAE. Business vs. Freelance in Dubai: Which Path to Choose in a Challenging Job Market? This article explores the options of venturing into freelance or leaping into entrepreneurship, providing insights to help you navigate Dubai's budding economy and make an informed decision about your professional future.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
University of Northern Iowa cuts ribbon on new applied engineering building
University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook gives remarks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the university's new applied engineering building on March 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mary Braun) Surrounded by students, faculty and staff, University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook told a crowd Friday they weren't gathered merely to celebrate a building, but to honor what it will bring to those who use it. The university's renovated and expanded applied engineering building, which opened Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, will offer cutting-edge lab and learning spaces and hands-on learning opportunities, Nook said. He said it will help students be prepared to fill critical roles in the state and country's workforce. 'We didn't build a building to have a pretty building,' Nook said. 'We built a building to be able to help these young people, through the faculty and staff that you see up here, reach their educational goals, start them on their ways to meeting their professional goals, and help them understand how to build lives of purpose in their personal lives.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The building renovation project, which came with a $44.7 million price tag, began just over a decade ago, Nook said, when UNI Facilities Management identified the need to renovate the building, which is now almost 50 years old. State appropriations totaling $40 million helped fund the facility, alongside $3 million in private donations. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a video played during the ceremony the renovations eliminated $10 million in deferred maintenance as well as providing necessary facilities for students to train for high-need jobs under the expertise and programming developed by the university and its industry partners. With a job placement rate of 95% overall and 85% in Iowa, Reynolds said with the opening, UNI will be able to accommodate demand that has increased enrollment by 20%. It also will address changing needs from the engineering and construction industries, she said. Reynolds said the new facility will create a 'significant talent pipeline to these critical sectors,' and she can't wait to see what the next 50 years has in store for UNI's applied engineering programs. 'It goes to show what's possible when the state and our outstanding regents universities work together on the most important issues facing Iowa,' Reynolds said. Students gathered outside of the ceremony to protest Reynolds, holding signs supporting transgender people and calling for an end to attacks on education. Originally 60,000 square feet, the renovations modernized the existing building and added 40,000 more square feet of new lab and collaborative spaces for programs in applied engineering, construction management and more, according to a news release. Jim Kiesey, vice president of Estes Construction as well as a UNI alum and chair of the Construction Management Advisory Board, said during the ceremony the new facility 'cements UNI's legacy in applied engineering and construction management,' but goes beyond just the renovated building's footprint on campus. Through the legacy UNI is forging, Kiesey said the university is providing an education to future, competent leaders, helping them grow and learn how to advocate for themselves in their industry. The new spaces have also brought an energy fit to inspire the people in it. 'Prior to embarking on this rehabilitation, the 50-year old Applied Engineering Building received its AARP card in the mail, and through the efforts by many, this facility now has a youthful personality and energy that matches and serves the students that reside in this facility,' Kiesey said. John Deere vice president and factory manager Fabio Castro said during the ceremony the long partnership between John Deere and UNI has 'yielded a bountiful harvest,' with the corporation employing more than 1,200 UNI alumni and 90 part-time students. Deere also helps UNI through providing guidance on academic programs, Castro said, ensuring the curriculum will adequately prepare students for the field. He said the company and university share many values, like integrity and commitment to excellence, and the pursuit of excellence both organizations push for is evident in the new facility. 'Not only does this physical building monumentalize that ambition, but the individuals whose educations, careers and lives will be impacted here carry on that legacy, that drive, that value of never settling,' Castro said. 'I hope they will be inculcated with the burning passion to fight off complacency and move our world forward through the application of innovative solutions to our most complex problems. It is clear that our future workforce will need these critical skills to navigate the turbulent, unpredictable and somewhat novel challenges of our future.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
